Living Her Dream

Nicole Endres Hobbs '02 has never let too much grass grow under her busy feet. While on Trinity's campus, she was editor-in-chief of the study-abroad journal, A Broader View, president of the Trinity University German Society, student representative, and formal rush chair of Sigma Theta Tau social sorority. Life is still in fast forward for this bright and energetic woman who works as an international trade negotiator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Nicole Endres Hobbs '02 and her husband Aaron.

"I studied international relations in Geneva while at Trinity and found out that it fit perfectly with my academic strengths and personal interests," says Nicole, who is also the president of the National Capital Area Alumni Chapter of the Trinity University Alumni Association.

"It's my way of giving back to TU after everything I gained from it, beyond just my annual contribution. When I first came to D.C., chapter events were attended by a small number of alumni. Chapter growth is phenomenal now," she says excitedly.

Nicole says she cultivated her leadership qualities while at Trinity by volunteering for social and campus organizations. She also followed the lead of two treasured professors.

"Heather Sullivan in the department of modern languages and literatures guided me along my path in my many classes with her," says Nicole. "In addition, Don Clark in the department of history played a major role in helping me decide where to study. Plus, since graduation, I've worked on student placement with Richard Butler and Jorge Gonzalez in the economics department."

For a small town girl from Wisconsin, Nicole has managed to achieve her dream position with the Foreign Agricultural Service, a job she sought fiercely following her internships with the U.S Department of Commerce and the United Nations. They say lightning never strikes the same place twice, but she also met her future husband, Aaron, the same day she interviewed for this coveted job. It was, she says, "love at first sight."

"I had a friend from George Mason University graduate school who was also friends with Aaron and he introduced us. When I started work there, Aaron was assigned to the same project and seemed very eager to help me! The rest is history."

They married in August of last year, a wedding that was well-attended by Trinity alumni.

"They traveled from all across the country (including some from overseas) for our wedding and are certainly lifelong friends," says Nicole, who, along with her new husband, just purchased their first house in Alexandria, Va., not far from Old Town.

Both she and Aaron take advantage of all that Washington, D.C. has to offer. Nicole takes culinary classes at the L'Academie De Cuisine and also spends time hiking and playing tennis.

"I am a lot more confident and grown up. I feel very settled now that I'm married and involved in my career. I am so proud to have achieved my professional dreams and personal happiness at such a young age. Working hard and taking advantage of all that Trinity had to offer, including studying abroad, laid the groundwork for my success." 

nehobbs@gmail.com

Donna Parker helped tell Trinity's story as a contributor to the University communications team.

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